Protein kinase C activators and their use in decreasing expression of cell antigens

ABSTRACT

A composition for the upregulation of expression of cell antigens, without inducing shedding, which comprises a protein kinase C activator is provided for this invention. Further provided by this invention is a method of detecting and treating tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of antigens of tumor cells, without inducing antigen shedding, and detecting the presence of said antigen or then further contacting said tumor cells with an effective amount of an antibody directed to said antigen.

[0001] The invention described herein was made in the course of work under Grant Nos. CA 35675 and CA 43208 from the National Institute of Health-National Cancer Institute. The United States Government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Throughout this application, various publications are referenced by Arabic number within brackets. Full citations for these publications may be found at the end of the specification immediately preceding the claims. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of the invention described and claimed therein.

[0003] The expression of both histocompatibility antigens and tumor associated antigens (TAAs) of tumor cells can be augmented by treatment with bioresponse modulators, such as interferon and tumor necrosis factor-α, and phorbol ester tumor promoters, such as TPA [1,13,14,16,18,22,23,27,28]. Upregulation of additional cellular antigens can be induced to a similar extent in both normal and tumor cells by bioresponse modulators indicating that this effect is a general property of these compounds and not restricted to TAAs or cells of a specific histotype (for review see [1,23]). For example, various interferons have been shown to enhance the expression of histocompatibility antigens, cellular antigens and TAAs in breast carcinoma, central nervous system tumors, colon carcinoma and melanoma cells [21-23,27,28,31,38]. In addition, when administered to animals containing human tumor xenografts, recombinant human interferon augments the ability of excised tumors to bind monoclonal antibodies specific for TAAs [13,21,36,42]. The use of bioresponse modifiers for increasing the expression of TAAs by tumor cells may prove useful in reducing the antigenic heterogeneity in tumors in vivo and augmenting the ability of monoclonal antibodies to bind to tumors (for review see [1,23,25,26]).

[0004] TPA and recombinant human leukocyte (IFN-α), fibroblast (IFN-β) and immune (IFN-γ) interferons increase both the expression and shedding of the tumor associated antigen BCA 225 by T47D cells and MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells [36]. These compounds also increase the expression of the TAA carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and HLA Class II-DR antigen in both T47D and MCF-7 cells [20,36]. The mechanism by which TPA induces its diversity of effects in target cells is believed to be mediated initially by its binding to the Ca²⁺-activated and phospholipid-dependent enzyme PKC which is the high affinity receptor for TPA (for review see [10,43,44]). As a consequence of activation of PKC many important biochemical processes are initiated in target cells, including both positive and negative feedback controls in signal transduction pathways (for review see [43,44]). Recent studies have implicated PKC activation in mediating both antiviral activity and specific gene regulatory changes induced by IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ [6,8,37,46,47,50] and for review see [9]. The purpose of the present study was to explore the possible relationship between PKC activation and antigen upregulation induced by phorbol esters and interferon. With this aim in mind applicants have determined the effect of the synthetic PKC-activator ADMB, the natural PKC activators TPA and MEZ and the combination of PKC-activators and the PKC-inhibitor H-7 on the antigenic phenotype of T47D cells. To determine if similar biochemical pathways are involved in the ability of IFN-β and IFN-γ to alter the antigenic phenotype of T47D cells, applicants have also evaluated the effect of H-7 on interferon upregulation of the same antigens in T47D cells.

[0005] The effect of a synthetic protein kinase C (PKC) activator 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB) and the natural PKC-activating tumor promoting agents 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and mezerein (MEZ) on the antigenic phenotype of carcinoma cells was studied. All three agents increased the surface expression of the tumor associated antigen such as BCA 225 and also of various cellular antigens, including HLA Class II antigens, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and c-cerbB-2. Expression of the same antigens was also upregulated to various extent in T47D cells by recombinant fibroblast (IFN-β) and immune (IFN-γ) interferon. Shedding of BCA 225 from T47D cells was induced by TPA, MEZ, IFN-β and IFN-γ, whereas ADMB did not display this activity. The ability of ADMB, TPA and MEZ to modulate the antigenic phenotype of T47D cells appears to involve a PKC-mediated pathway, since the PKC inhibitor, H-7, eliminates antigenic modulation. In contrast, the ability of IFN-β and IFN-γ to enhance HLA Class II antigens, c-erbB-2 and ICAM-1 expression, was either unchanged or modestly reduced by simultaneous exposure to H-7. Analysis of steady-state mRNA levels for HLA Class I antigens, HLA Class II-DRβ antigen, ICAM-1, and c-erbB-2 indicated that the ability of H-7 to inhibit expression of these antigens in TPA-, MEZ-, and ADMB-treated cells was not a consequence of a reduction in the steady-state levels of mRNAs for these antigens. The results of the present investigation indicate that the biochemical pathways mediating enhanced antigenic expression in T47D cells induced by TPA, MEZ and the synthetic PKC activator ADMB are different than those induced by recombinant interferons. Furthermore, upregulation of antigenic expression in T47D cells can occur by both a PKC-dependent or a PKC-independent pathway.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention provided a composition for the upregulation of expression of all antigens without inducing shedding which comprises a protein kinase C activation for the upregulation of expression of a cell antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen from the cell.

[0007] Further provided by this invention is a method for decreasing tumor cell heterogeneity by upregulating the expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen which comprises administering an amount of a protein kinase C activator to cells to induce upregulation of expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen.

[0008] Additionally, this invention provides a method of detecting tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of antigens of tumor cells, without inducing shedding, and detecting the presence of said antigen.

[0009] A method for treating tumor cells is also provided. This method comprises contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of antigens of tumor cells without inducing antigen shedding and then contacting said tumor cells with an effective amount of an antibody directed to said antigen.

[0010] This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition for upregulating the expression of antigens without inducing antigen shedding which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011]FIG. 1: Effect of H-7, TPA, MEZ and ADMB on T47D cell growth and DNA synthesis. Cell growth assays are presented in (A). T47D cells were seeded at 1×10⁴ cells/35 mm tissue culture plate, the medium was changed with the indicated compounds 24 hr later and cell numbers were determined after an additional 72 hr growth at 37° C. by Coulter Counter. Results are the average of triplicate samples/experimental condition which varied by ≦10%. DNA synthesis assays are presented in (B). T47 D cells were seeded at 1.25×10⁴ cells in 0.2 ml of media in 96 microtiter plates. Every 24 hr, cultures received 1 μCi of methyl-³H-thymidine and 8 hr later cells were harvested and TCA precipitable counts were determined. Results are the average from replicate samples exposed to the indicated compounds for 72 hr. Replicate samples varied by ≦10% and replicate studies varied by ≦15%. Further details can be found in “Detailed Description Of The Invention”.

[0012]FIG. 2: Effect of H-7 on the upregulation of HLA Class II antigens and c-erbB-2 antigen expression in T47D cells induced by ADMB, TPA and MEZ, T47D cells were grown for 72 hr in the presence of 0.1 μg/ml of ADMB, TPA or MEZ, used alone or in combination with 0.1 μg/ml of H-7. Cell surface antigen expression was then determined by FACS analysis as described in “Detailed Description Of The Invention.” Base-line control antigen expression is given the value of 1.0. The values presented are the fold-change, which represents the ratio of the experimental MFI value versus the control MFI value for the specific antigen tested, in fluorescence in experimental versus control samples. The results presented are from a single experiment employing replicate samples. Similar results ≦15% have been obtained in two additional studies. Further details can be found in “Detailed Description Of The Invention.”

[0013]FIG. 3: Effect of interferon, ADMB, TPA and MEZ, alone and in combination with H-7, on steady-state mRNA levels of HLA Class I antigens, HLA Class II-DR_(β) antigen, c-erbB-2, ICAM-1 and GAPDH in T47D human breast carcinoma cells. T47D cells were grown for 72 hr in the absence (control) or presence of 500 units/ml of IFN-α or IFN-β, 50 units/ml of IFN-γ, 0.1 μg/ml of TPA, MEZ or ADMB. Cultures were also grown in the presence of 0.1 μg/ml of H-7 for 72 hr with and without the additional compounds indicated above. Total cytoplasmic RNA was isolated and processed as described in “Detailed Description Of The Invention.” Control: CON; recombinant human leukocyte interferon-A: IFN-αA; recombinant human fibroblast interferon: IFN-β; recombinant human immune interferon: IFN-γ; ADMB; 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol; TPA; 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate; MEZ; mezerein; H-7: (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This invention provides a composition for the upregulation of expression of cell antigens without inducing shedding which comprises a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of a cell antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen from the cell. In one embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB).

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention the cell antigen is a tumor associated antigen (TAA). In yet another embodiment of the invention the cell antigen is a cell surface antigen. The cell antigen may also be a histocompatibility antigen. Examples of tumor associated antigens that can be upregulated by this invention include, but are not limited to, BCA 225, c-erb B2, carcinoembryonic antigen or CA19.9. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

[0016] The tumor of the tumor associated antigen may be, but is not limited to, breast carcinoma or colon carcinoma.

[0017] In an embodiment of the above-described composition, the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a colon carcinoma. In a further embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In a still another embodiment, the histocompatibility antigen is Class II HLA-DR. In another embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is CA19.9.

[0018] Further provided by this invention is a method for decreasing tumor cell heterogeneity by upregulating the expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen which comprises administering an amount of a protein kinase C activator to cells to induce upregulation of expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen. In one embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the synthetic protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB). When using ADMB for decreasing tumor cell heterogeneity by upregulating the expression of an antigen, without inducing shedding, the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention the antigen is a tumor associated antigen. In another embodiment of the invention the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In yet another embodiment of the invention the antigen is a cell surface antigen. The tumor of the tumor associated antigen can be, but is not limited to, breast carcinoma or colon carcinoma. In certain embodiments of the invention the tumor associated antigen is BCA 225. In other embodiments of the invention the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen. In yet another embodiment of the invention the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2. In another embodiment of the invention the cell surface antigen in intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In a still another embodiment, the histocompatibility antigen is Class II HLA-DR. In another embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is CA19.9.

[0021] This invention also provides a method of detecting tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of antigens of tumor cells, without inducing antigen shedding, and detecting the presence of said antigen. In one embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the synthetic protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB). When using ADMB in the subject invention the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml. The tumor of the tumor associated antigen may be, but is not limited to, breast carcinoma or colon carcinoma. In certain embodiments of the invention the tumor associated antigen is BCA 225. The tumor associated antigen can also be carcinoembryonic antigen or c-erb B2. In yet another embodiment of the invention the antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In a still another embodiment, the histocompatibility antigen is Class II HLA-DR. In another embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is CA19.9.

[0023] Further provided by this invention is a method of treating tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of antigens of tumor cells without inducing antigen shedding and then contacting said tumor cells with an effective amount of an antibody directed to said antigen. In one embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the synthetic protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB). When using ADMB, the effective amount is from about 0.1 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml. The antigen may be, but is not limited to, a tumor associated antigen or a cell surface antigen. The tumor cells may be, but are not limited to, breast carcinoma or colon carcinoma. In preferred embodiments of the invention the tumor associated antigen is BCA 225, carcinoembryonic antigen, or c-erb B2. In yet another embodiment of the invention the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In a still another embodiment, the histocompatibility antigen is Class II HLA-DR. In another embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is CA19.9.

[0025] Additionally, this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for upregulating the expression of antigens without inducing antigen shedding which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator. In one embodiment of the invention the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the synthetic protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB). When the protein kinase C activator is ADMB, the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml. The antigen may be, but is not limited to being, a tumor associated antigen, a cell surface antigen, or histocompatibility antigen. The tumor of the tumor associated antigen may be, but is not limited to, breast carcinoma or colon carcinoma. In one embodiment of the invention the tumor associated antigen is BCA 225. In another embodiment of the invention the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen. In yet another embodiment of the invention the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2. In one embodiment of the invention the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is a histocompatibility antigen. In a still another embodiment, the histocompatibility antigen is Class II HLA-DR. In another embodiment, the colon carcinoma associated antigen is CA19.9.

[0027] For the purposes of this invention, “physiologically acceptable carrier” means any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers. Examples of suitable carriers are well known in the art and may include, but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers.

[0028] Methods of determining the effective amounts are well known in the art. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily extrapolate the effective amounts as determined in vitro, and apply it to living organisms to determine the effective concentrations in vivo.

[0029] This invention will be better understood from the Experimental Details which follow. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific methods and results discussed are merely illustrative of the invention as described more fully in the claims which follow thereafter.

[0030] Experimental Details

[0031] Materials and Methods

[0032] Cell Cultures

[0033] The T47D clone 11 human breast carcinoma cell line [32] was grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, fungizone (0.25 μg/ml), streptomycin (50 μg/ml), penicillin (50 U/ml), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), β-estradiol and insulin (0.1 μu/ml) at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂/95% air humidified incubator. Cultures were maintained in the logarithmic phase of growth by subculturing at a 1:5 or 1:10 split-ratio when cells approached confluency.

[0034] Growth and ³H-Thymidine Incorporation Assays

[0035] T47D cells were seeded at 5×10³ cells/ml in 35 mm tissue culture plates and 24 hr later the medium was changed with the indicated compounds. Seventy-two hr later the cells were resuspended in trysin/versene (0.125%/0.02%, w/w) and counted using a Z_(M) Coulter Counter (Coulter Electronics). For ³H-thymidine incorporation studies, T47D cells were seeded at 1.25×10⁴ cells in 0.2 ml of media in 96 well microtiter plates. Every 24 hr, plates received 1 μCi of methyl-³H-thymidine (specific activity 10 μCi/mmol) (ICN Radiochemicals, Irvine, Calif.), cells were harvested 8 hr after the addition of labeled thymidine and TCA precipitable counts [55] were determined using a Packard scintillation counter. Replicate samples varied by ≦10% and replicate studies varied by ≦15%.

[0036] Monoclonal Antibodies

[0037] IgG₁ murine monoclonal antibody Cu18 and Cu46 recognize two different epitopes of a highly restricted breast carcinoma associated glycoprotein of M_(r) 225,000 to 250,000 (BCA 225) [41]. This TAA is expressed intracytoplasmically and on the membrane of 94% of breast tumors tested and in the T47D human breast carcinoma cell line. BCA 225 is shed into the culture medium by T47D cells and into the sera of breast cancer patients. IgG_(2a) monoclonal antibody L243 (anti HLA Class II-DR) recognizes a monomorphic HLA Class II-DR-α epitope (ATCC M355). Monoclonal antibody CL203.4 [40], which recognizes ICAM-I, was kindly provided by Dr. S. Ferrone, New York Medical College, NY. The c-erbB-2 monoclonal antibody which recognizes the extracellular domain of c-erbB-2 was obtained from Triton Biosciences, Inc., Alamedia, Calif. Monoclonal antibodies Cu18 and Cu46 were used at 0.05 μg/ml and monoclonal antibodies interacting with HLA Class II-DR, ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 were used at 10 μg/ml. For each experiment, isotype matched control backgrounds (IgG for Cu18, Cu46 and ICAM-1, IgG_(2a) for HLA Class Ii and IgG_(2b) for c-erbB-2) were subtracted from the experimental results. Background from antimouse IgG FITC antibody was also subtracted from experimental results. Applicants never observed backgrounds higher than 2% of total cells for isotypic mouse IgG or higher than 5% for antimouse IgG FITC.

[0038] Analysis of TAA and Cellular Antigen Expression by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Analysis

[0039] T47D cells treated with the various compounds were analyzed by flow cytometry using appropriate monoclonal antibody concentrations as described previously [36]. Briefly, 1×10⁵ cells were incubated with the test antibody for 30 min at 4° C., washed 3× with PBS and incubated with a goat a mouse F (ab)₂ FITC conjugated test antibody at a 1:40 dilution for 30 min at 4° C. Cells were then washed 3× with PBS and analyzed on a FACStar (Beckon Dickinson, Mountain View, Calif.) or a Coulter Epics IV FACS (Coulter, Hialeah, Fla.). Results are expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) units which were determined as described previously [36]. MFI=(mean channel fluorescence in fluorescence positive antibody-binding cells×% of fluorescence positive antibody-binding cells)−(mean channel fluorescence in unstained cells×% of fluorescence positive cells in the unstained population). All studies were performed a minimum of three or four times with duplicate samples in each experiment. Replicate samples within individual experiments varied by ≦10% and variation between experiments were generally ≦20%.

[0040] Analysis of the Synthesis and Shedding of BCA 225

[0041] After appropriate incubation times with the various compounds cell lysates were prepared from T47D cells. Cells were washed 3× in PBS, pH 7.6, pelleted and incubated for 1 hr at room temperature in 20 mM Tris HCl, pH 7.4, with PMSF. Cultures were then homogenized with a Teflon homogenizer, centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 10 min at 4° C. and the supernatant was mixed 1:2 with 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, containing 0.5% NP40 (Sigma). After 1 hr at 4° C., the mixture was spun at 3000 RPM for 10 min and the supernatant was passed through an EXTRACTIGEL column (Pierce, Ill.) to remove excess detergent. Protein concentration was determined by the BCA micro-method (Pierce, Ill.). BCA 225 levels in cell extracts and supernatants from control and treated T47D cells were quantitated using a double-determinant ELISA assay [4, 36]. Briefly, Cu18 monoclonal antibody coated Nunc Immunoplates (Nunc, Denmark) were blocked with 1% BSA (Sigma, RIA Reagent Grade) and incubated with a 1:2 dilution of supernatant in duplicate. Standard values for a partially purified BCA 225 preparation were used at a range of 0 to 10 μg/ml in RPMI 1640 plus 10% FBS (T47D growth medium). After 2 hr incubation and three washings with PBS 0.1% Tween 20 a Cu46 monoclonal antibody conjugated to peroxidase was applied to the plate, incubated for 2 hr, washed 6× in PBS 0.1% Tween 20 and the reaction was developed with 16 ng OPD (Sigma, St. Louis) and 4 μl of 30% H₂O₂ in McIlvans buffer, pH 9.6. The plates were read on a Dynatech Elisa reader and a linear standard curve was generated and used to calculate the relative amount of BCA 225 in cell lysates and shed into the culture medium. Results were adjusted to ng BCA 225 per mg of protein, or per 1×10⁶ cells. Replicate samples varied by ≦10% and replicate experiments varied by ≦20%.

[0042] RNA Isolation and Northern Blotting Analysis

[0043] Steady-state levels of HLA Class I, HLA Class II-DR_(β), c-erbB-2 and ICAM-I mRNA in control and treated T47D cells were determined by Northern blotting analysis of total cytoplasmic RNA probed with appropriate ³²P-labeled gene probes as previously described [3,56]. Northern blots were also probed with a ³²P-labeled glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) [12,54] gene probe to verify equal mRNA expression under various experimental conditions. Following hybridization, the filters were washed and exposed for autoradiography. Radioautograms were analyzed by densitometer to determine fold-change in mRNA expression as a result of treatment with the different antigenic modulating agents, with or without cocultivation with H-7.

[0044] Reagents

[0045] Recombinant human leukocyte (IFN-αA) and immune (IFN-γ) interferons were produced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity as previously described. [19,49,53]. These interferons were kindly provided by Dr. Sidney Pestka, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, N.J. Recombinant human fibroblast (IFN-β) interferon, with a serine substituted for a cysteine at position 17 of the molecule [39], was supplied by Triton Biosciences Inc., Alameda, Calif. as a lycophilized powder with a concentration of 4.5×10⁷ units/ml. The interferon titers were determined by a cytopathic effect inhibition assay with vesicular stomatitis virus on a bovine kidney cell line (MDBK) or human fibroblast AG-1732 cells [49]. Concentrated stocks of interferons were aliquots, frozen at −80° C., thawed immediately prior to use and diluted to the appropriate concentrations in DMEM supplemented with 5 or 10% FBS. TPA (12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate), MEZ (mezerein), and ADMB (3-(N-Acetylamino)-5-(N-Decyl-N-Methylamino)-benzyl alcohol) were obtained from LC Services Corp., Woburn, Mass. Stock solutions of 1 mg/ml (TPA and MEZ) or 10 mg/ml (ADMB) were prepared in dimethylsulfoxide, aliquoted and stored at −20° C. The PKC inhibitor H-7 (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride) (Hidaka et al., 1984) (Sigma) was prepared in distilled H₂O and stored at 4° C. For experiments, aliquots were thawed and dispensed in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 5 or 10% FBS to yield appropriate final concentrations. The solvent DMSO at (0.025 to 0.05%) did not alter the growth or antigenic expression of T47D cells.

[0046] Experimental Results

[0047] Effect of TPA, MEZ and ADMB on Growth and DNA Synthesis in T47D Cells

[0048] In preliminary studies, the dose-range and time-course of induction of antigenic enhancement in T47D cells by TPA, MEZ and ADMB, as well as the effect of varying doses of H-7 on this process, was determined (data not shown). These studies indicated that the optimum effect on antigenic expression in T47D cells exposed to TPA, MEZ or ADMB occurred by 72 hr. The most effective dose of TPA, MEZ or ADMB inducing upregulation of BCA 225, HLA Class II antigens, ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 in T47D cells was found to be 0.1 μg/ml. The ability of these PKC activators to induce increased antigenic expression in T47D cells was inhibited by the simultaneous exposure to 0.1 μg/ml of the PKC inhibitor H-7 (Tables 1 and 2). The effect of TPA, MEZ, ADMB and H-7 on 72 hr growth and ³H-thymidine incorporation in T47D cells is shown in FIG. 1. When exposed to 0.1 μg/ml of the respective compounds, growth and DNA synthesis was suppressed to the greatest degree in TPA treated cells. In contrast, at the same dose of 0.1 μg/ml, MEZ and ADMB only marginally altered growth and DNA synthesis in T47D cells (FIG. 1). No additive or synergistic effect on 72 hr growth suppression was observed when TPA or MEZ were used in combination with 0.1 μg/ml of H-7 (data not shown).

[0049] Effect of TPA, MEZ and ADMB, Alone and in Combination with H-7, on the Antigenic Phenotype of T47D Cells

[0050] When tested for reactivity with specific monoclonal antibodies, control T47D cells displayed the following constitutive antigenic phenotype: 10 to 20% of cells (with a mean channel fluorescence of 180 to 210) were positive for HLA Class II antigen (HLA-DR) expression; 5 to 10% (with a mean channel fluorescence of 110-130) were positive for c-erbB-2 expression; 80 to 90% (with a mean channel fluorescence of 170 to 200) were positive for ICAM-1 expression; 85 to 95% (with a mean channel fluorescence of 180 to 210) were positive for the TAA BCA 225 (as monitored by the monoclonal antibody Cu18); and 60 to 70% (with a mean channel fluorescence of 140 to 170) were positive for BCA 225 (as monitored by the monoclonal antibody Cu46). The effect of TPA and MEZ, alone and in combination with 0.1 μg/ml of H-7, on HLA Class II antigens, c-erbB-2 and ICAM-1 expression in T47D cells is shown in Table 1. H-7 did not significantly alter the de novo expression of any of these antigens in T47D cells. However, when administered in conjunction with TPA or MEZ, H-7 effectively blocked the ability of these PKC stimulators to enhance antigenic expression. In the experiment shown in Table 1, MEZ was somewhat more effective than TPA in enhancing c-erbB-2 and ICAM-1 expression. An increased activity, at comparable doses, of MEZ over TPA in enhancing the expression of these antigens, as well as the TAA BCA 225, has been found in several additional studies (unpublished data and Table 2 and FIG. 2). For comparison purposes, a single experiment is shown in Table 1. In this experiment, the combination of MEZ+H-7 resulted in the lack of detectable c-erbB-2 expression. This result may reflect technical difficulties rather than a complete suppression in c-erbB-2 expression, since in additional studies H-7 blocked the ability of MEZ to enhance the expression of this antigen without completely eliminating c-erbB-2 expression (unpublished data and FIG. 2).

[0051] Recent computer modeling studies have resulted in the synthesis of compounds which inhibit the binding of phorbol esters to PKC and which activate PKC in platelets resulting in the phosphorylation of a specific 40 kDa protein substrate [58]. Applicants have presently tested one of these phorbol ester pharmacophores, ADMB, for its ability to upregulate the same antigens in T47D cells previously shown to be modulated by TPA and MEZ. A comparison of the efficacy of upregulation of HLA Class II antigens and c-erbB-2 in T47D cells exposed to TPA, MEZ and ADMB, in the presence or absence of H-7, is presented in FIG. 2. In the case of HLA Class II antigens, ADMB was somewhat more effective than TPA and MEZ in inducing upregulations, whereas H-7 reduced or eliminated enhancement when applied in combination with these PKC activators. In the case of c-erbB-2, MEZ was the most effective PKC activator tested in enhancing expression and as observed with HLA Class II antigens H-7 reduced this antigenic upregulation.

[0052] A series of experiments were conducted to determine the effect of TPA, MEZ and ADMB, alone and in combination with H-7, on the synthesis, surface expression and shedding of the TAA BCA 225 (Table 2). The synthesis of BCA 225 was increased following exposure to all of the PKC activators, with MEZ being most effective in enhancing the synthesis of this TAA. Similarly, MEZ was the most effective of the three PKC activators in enhancing the surface expression of BCA 225 in T47D cells. As observed with the other antigens analyzed, H-7 effectively blocked both the enhanced synthesis and surface expression of BCA 225. When compared for their ability to induce shedding of BCA 225 from T47D cells, a differential response was observed between the three PKC activators (Table 2). Both MEZ and TPA enhance shedding of BCA 225, with MEZ again being more effective than TPA, whereas ADMB did not induce this effect in T47D cells. As observed with both synthesis and shedding, H-7 reduced the ability of MEZ and TPA to induce shedding of BCA 225.

[0053] Effect of IFN-β and IFN-γ, Alone and in Combination with H-7, on the Antigenic Phenotype of T47D Cells

[0054] Applicants have previously demonstrated that both IFN-β and IFN-γ can effectively enhance the expression of BCA 225, HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-I expression in T47D cells [36]. Optimum enhancement was observed by 72 hr with ranges of interferon of 500 to 1000 units/ml of IFN-α or IFN-β and 50 to 500 units/ml of IFN-γ, in the presence or absence of 1.0 μg/ml of H-7, is shown in Tables 3 and 4. A higher dose of H-7 was employed in this study because the lower H-7 concentration of 0.1 μg/ml did not block enhanced antigenic expression in interferon treated T47D cells (data not shown). IFN-γ was more effective (even at lower concentrations) than IFN-β in enhancing the expression of BCA 225, HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-1. IFN-α also increased the expression of the three antigens tested, but to a lower extent than IFN-β or IFN-γ (data not shown). For example, in the experiment shown in Table 3, 500 units/ml of IFN-α enhanced HLA Class II expression from an MFI of 2,814 to an MFI of 11,660 (a 4-fold increase) as opposed to a 11- and a 69-fold increase, respectively, in HLA Class II expression in cells exposed to IFN-β or IFN-γ (data not shown). In a number of experiments, the de novo level of expression of specific antigens and the absolute level of upregulation varied. Part of this difference may reflect the use of a different FACS with different sensitivities for determining MFI units and/or innate differences in antigenic expression of cells as a consequence of the cell cycle. Although this makes it difficult to directly compare absolute levels of upregulation with the phorbol esters and ADMB versus the interferons, it still permits a comparison of the effect of H-7 on upregulation. In experiments simultaneously comparing the various compounds, IFN-γ was generally a more effective enhancer of HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-1 than the other agents, whereas MEZ was generally more effective in modifying c-erbB-2 and BCA 225 expression. Unlike antigenic upregulation induced by the phorbol esters and ADMB which was inhibited by H-7, even the higher dose of H-7 (1.0 μg/ml) did not inhibit the ability of IFN-β or IFN-γ to enhance BCA 225, HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-1 expression in T47D cells.

[0055] To determine if H-7 could inhibit the ability of interferon to enhance the synthesis or shedding of BCA 225 in T47D cells, cultures were grown for 72 hr in the presence of 500 units/ml of IFN-β or 50 units/ml of IFN-γ and in the presence or absence of 1 μg/ml of H-7 (Table 4). As had been observed for interferon enhanced expression of BCA 225, H-7 did not inhibit the synthesis or shedding of BCA 225 induced in T47D cells by interferon. These results demonstrate that the ability of TPA and MEZ versus IFN-β and IFN-γ to upregulate the synthesis, expression and shedding of BCA 225 may occur by different mechanisms.

[0056] Effect of ADMB, TPA, MEZ and Interferon, Alone and in Combination with H-7, on the Steady-State Levels of HLA Class I Antigens, HLA Class I-DRβ Antigen, ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 in T47D Cells

[0057] To determine if the increase in HLA Class II-DR_(β) antigen, ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 expression in T47D cells resulting from 72 hr ADMB, TPA, MEZ, IFN-α, IFN-β or IFN-γ treatment involved enhanced mRNA expression, the steady-state levels of mRNA for the respective genes were determined (FIG. 3). In the case of HLA Class II-DR antigen, small increases in mRNA levels were observed in IFN-α (1.1-fold), IFN-β (1.2-fold), IFN-γ (1.25-fold) and MEZ (1.2-fold) treated T47D cells. ADMB and TPA did not increase HLA Class II-DR₆₂ antigen, RNA expression, although ADMB was slightly more effective than MEZ in enhancing cell surface expression of this antigen in T47D cells (FIG. 2). MEZ and IFN-γ were the most effective enhancers of HLA Class II-DR_(β) antigen mRNA expression, whereas IFN-γ was more effective than MEZ in enhancing expression of this antigen in T47D cells (Tables 1 and 3). When cotreated with the respective antigenic modulating compound and H-7, only minimal changes in HLA Class II-DR_(β) antigen mRNA levels (<1.15-fold) were observed. These observations are in contrast to the HLA Class II-DR antigenic modulation induced by these agents in T47D cells. As described above, H-7 effectively blocked ADMB, TPA and MEZ enhancement of HLA Class II-DR antigen expression in T47D cells (Table 3). In the case of HLA class I antigen expression, mRNA levels were variably increased following treatment with IFN-α (1.9-fold), IFN-β (2.1-fold), IFN-γ (1.8-fold), TPA (1.3-fold) and MEZ (1.75-fold), whereas H-7 only marginally altered mRNA levels (≦1.2-fold) for this antigen (Table 3). With respect to surface expression, as observed with HLA Class II-DR antigen expression, H-7 inhibited upregulation induced by ADMB, TPA or MEZ, but not upregulation induced by the interferons (data not shown). These observations indicate that cell surface expression changes in both HLA Class I antigens and HLA Class II-DR antigen in T47D cells is not a consequence of a reduction in mRNA levels for these gene products. Further studies are required, however, to determine if the antigenic modulating agents, employed alone or in combination with H-7, modulate the rate of mRNA synthesis and/or decay of mRNA synthesis for HLA Class II-DR or HLA Class I antigens in T47D cells.

[0058] ICAM-1 mRNA levels were increased a maximum of only 1.3-fold after 72 hr treatment under the various experimental conditions and H-7 only modestly altered ICAM-1 expression (FIG. 3). In the case of c-erbB-2, a maximum increase of only 1.2-fold in the levels of mRNA were apparent after 72 hr treatment with the various agents. Similarly, no differential change in c-erbB-2 mRNA was observed in T47D cells grown in the presence of any of the antigenic modulating agents plus H-7. These results again contrast those measuring surface expression of these antigens. As demonstrated in Tables 1 and 3, H-7 partially inhibited enhanced ICAM-1 expression (Table 3). Similarly, H-7 inhibited enhanced surface expression of c-erbB-2 induced by ADMB, TPA and MEZ (FIG. 2 and Table 1), whereas it did not alter upregulation induced by the interferons (data not shown). These results provide further support for the lack of a direct correlation between the levels of ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 mRNA and antigenic expression in cells treated with the combination of ADMB, TPA, MEZ or interferon and H-7. Further studies are required, however, to determine if the antigenic modulating agents, employed alone or in combination with H-7, modulate the rate of mRNA synthesis and/or decay of mRNA synthesis for ICAM-1 or c-erbB-2 in T47D cells.

[0059] Effect of 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl Alcohol (ADMB), Mezerein (MEZ) and Recombinant Human Immune Interferon (IFN-γ) on Antigen Expression in WiDr Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Monitored by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Analysis

[0060] Cells were plated in 10 cm plates, media was changed 24 hours later with no addition (control) or addition of the indicated compounds and cells were incubated at 37° C. for the indicated time (72 or 96 hours). Cells were resuspended using 10× EDTA and antigen expression was determined as described (Leon, Mesa-Tejada, Gutierrez, Estabrook, Greiner, Schlom & Fisher: Anticancer Res. 9:1639-1648, 1989; Leon, Gutierrez, Jiang, Estabrook, Waxman & Fisher: Cancer Immunol. Immmunother. 35:315-324, 1992). The results of the experiments are presented in Table 5.

[0061] To summarize, Table 5 indicates: 1) class II HLA-DR antigens and the tumor associated antigen CA19.9 are elevated in WiDr human colon carcinoma cells treated for 72 or 96 hours with ADMB, MEZ or IFN-γ; 2) the order of effectiveness in increasing Class II HLA-DR antigens in WiDr cells is IFN-γ>MEZ>ADMB (IFN-γ is approximately 3× more active than ADMB); 3) with all three immunomodulating agents (IFN-γ, MEZ and ADMB), 96 hour treatment is more effective than 72 hours in inducing elevated Class II HLA-DR and CA19.9 antigen expression; and 4) in the case of the TAA CA19.9, MEZ is more effective than IFN-γ or ADMB in increasing expression after 96 hours treatment.

[0062] Conclusion

[0063] ADMB, as well as two documented immunomodulating agents (IFN-γ and MEZ), can increase the surface expression of both Class II HLA-DR and the TAA CA19.9 in the human colon carcinoma cell line WiDr.

[0064] Effect of 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl Alcohol (ADMB), Mezerein (MEZ) and Recombinant Human Immune Interferon (IFN-γ) on Antigen Expression in CBS Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Monitored by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Analysis

[0065] Cells were plated in 10 cm plates, media was changed 24 hours later with no addition (control) or addition of the indicated compounds and cells were incubated at 37° C. for 96 hours. Cells were resuspended using 10× EDTA and antigen expression was determined as described (Leon, Mesa-Tejada, Gutierrez, Estabrook, Breiner, Schlom & Fisher: Anticancer Res. 9:1639-1648, 1989; Leon, Gutierrez, Jiang, Estabrook, Waxman & Fisher: Cancer Immuno. Immunother. 35:315-324 1992). The results of the experiments are presented in Table 6.

[0066] To summarize, Table 6 indicates: 1) Class II HLA-DR antigens and the tumor associated antigen CA19.9 are elevated in CBS human colon carcinoma cells treated for 96 hours with ADMB, MEZ or IFN-γ; 2) the relative order of effectiveness in increasing Class II HLA-DR antigens in CBS cells is IFN-γ>MEZ>ADMB. (IFN-γ is approximately 2× more active than ADMB); and 3) ADMB is more effective than MEZ in enhancing CA19.9 TAA expression, but less effective than IFN-γ (Rank order of effectiveness IFN-γ>ADMB>MEZ).

[0067] Conclusion

[0068] ADMB, as well as two documented immunomodulating agents (IFN-γ and MEZ), can increase the surface expression of both Class II HLA-DR and the TAA CA19.9 in the human colon carcinoma cell line CBS.

[0069] Summary Conclusion

[0070] ADMB can augment Class II HLA-DR antigen and CA19.9 TAA expression in human colon carcinoma cells (WiDr and CBS)

[0071] The data in Tables 5 and 6 demonstrate that ADMB can augment both Class II HLA-DR and TAA expression in two human colon carcinoma cell lines. It appears, therefore, that ADMB, and mechanistically similar compounds, should find utility in increasing HLA and TAA expression in both breast and colon carcinoma cells. Studies are continuing to determine if ADMB can stimulate antigenic expression in additional carcinomas.

[0072] Experimental Discussion

[0073] Among the diversity of interferon effects on target cells, recent investigations have focused on the ability of these bioresponse modulators to enhance the expression of both histocompatibility antigens and TAAs in tumor cells (for review see [1,9,23,25,26]). These studies indicate that interferon may prove valuable in altering the phenotype of tumor cells rendering them more accessible to monoclonal antibody targeting [13,21,36,42]. A frequent observation is that interferon functions predominantly as an enhancer of antigenic expression, rather than an inducer of de novo expression of specific antigens [9,15,16,25,31]. At the present time, little information is available on the biochemical mechanisms underlying interferon upregulation of antigenic expression. Studies comparing the protein synthesis requirements for antigenic modulation induced by types I (IFN-α/β) and type II (IFN-γ) interferon in human melanoma cells suggest that different biochemical pathways mediate up-regulation of both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC encoded glycoproteins induced by these compounds [17]. IFN-γ enhancement of antigen expression depends on continued protein synthesis, whereas the modulatory effect of IFN-α and IFN-β can occur in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Numerous studies have also indicated that types I and II interferons can differ in their effects on TAA expression in the same tumor cell (for review see [1,23,25,48]) Both the absolute level of antigenic modulation induced by different interferons, as well as the type of effect elicited in specific target cells, i.e. either stimulatory or inhibitory, has been shown to vary (for review see [1,23]). In the present study applicants have addressed the potential relationship between PKC activation and antigenic modulation induced by recombinant IFN-β and IFN-γ in the human breast carcinoma cell line T47D. Since both TPA and MEZ can augment the expression of the same histocompatibility antigens and TAAs in T47D cells as recombinant interferons and these agents appear to work directly via activation of PKC (for review see [43,44]), applicants have also incorporated these agents in our studies.

[0074] The enhanced cellular antigenic expression induced in T47D cells by TPA, MEZ and ADMB was eliminated by simultaneous incubation with the PKC-inhibitor H-7. Similarly, the ability of TPA and MEZ to enhance the synthesis and shedding of the TAA BCA 225 was also blocked by H-7. In contrast, ADMB failed to induce increased shedding of BCA 225 by T47D cells, whereas it was similarly active as TPA in enhancing BCA 225 synthesis and expression (Table 2). These observations suggest that ADMB can differentially modify the antigenic phenotype in T47D cells in comparison with TPA and MEZ, i.e. it can augment synthesis and expression without enhancing shedding of specific TAAs. Interestingly, ADMB was found to induce HLA Class II antigens in a similar manner as TPA and MEZ in T47D cells. HLA Class II antigens have been shown to be involved in the differentiation of mammary epithelium [11] and they play a critical role in antigen presentation to T-cells [35], the transport of key intracellular peptides to the extracellular milieu [57] and recruitment of lymphoid cells to tumor cells [11,35,59]. The ability of ADMB to enhance both HLA Class II antigens and TAA expression on T47D cells could have implications with respect to the induction of an immune response to this tumor in vivo. A severe limitation preventing the use of TPA or MEZ as potential immunomodulators in humans is there well documented tumor promoting activity in the mouse skin two-stage carcinogenesis assay (for review see [51-52]). At the present time, ADMB has not been tested for in vivo toxicity, tumor promoting activity and/or in vivo immunomodulatory properties. However, if this compound can pass this scrutiny, it could prove useful as an antigenic modulating agent in situations where increased surface expression without a concomitant increase in TAA shedding is desired.

[0075] Previous studies have indicated a possible involvement of activation of PKC in the early events associated with IFN-α action in specific target cells [2,6,7,46,50,60-62]. Although not studied as extensively, an association between PKC activity and both IFN-β- and IFN-γ-induced cellular changes has also been suggested [8,29,30,45,47]. In addition, a differential role for PKC in IFN-α/β versus IFN-γ induced cellular and gene expression changes in the same target cell has also been observed [6,37,47]. Both IFN-β and IFN-γ produced similar antigenic changes in T47D cells as TPA and MEZ, including enhancing the shedding of BCA 225. However, up-regulation of antigen expression and increased shedding induced by IFN-β and IFN-γ was not inhibited by H-7 (Table IV). IFN-α was less effective than either IFN-Methylamino)-benzyl β or IFN-γ in modifying the antigenic phenotype of T47D cells and its activity also was not blocked by H-7 (data not shown). These results suggest that the mechanism by which interferons modulate antigen expression in T47D cells occurs by a PKC-independent pathway. A similar dissociation between PKC activation and the ability of IFN-γ and TPA to induce specific antigenic expression changes in human keratinocyte cultures has recently been reported [24]. IFN-γ and TPA both enhanced ICAM-1 expression in human keratinocyte cultures and the enhancement effect of TPA, but not that of IFN-γ, was inhibited by H-7. Similarly, only IFN-γ induced HLA Class II-DR antigen expression in human keratinocytes and H-7 also failed to block this induction. Koide et al. [34] demonstrated that IFN-γ induction of HLA Class II-DR antigen expression in HL-60 cells also was not modified by H-7. In contrast, W7 (a calmodulin antagonist) blocked IFN-γ-induction of HLA Class II-DR expression in HL-60 cells supporting a possible involvement of calcium/calmodulin in antigenic modulation in this cell line. Similarly, treatment of murine macrophages with IFN-γ resulted in the induction of both increased mRNA and MHC I-A_(β) antigen expression, and both of these parameters were unaltered in the presence of H-7 [5]. W-7 did, however, modify the MHC I-A_(β) antigen mRNA induction process elicited by IFN-γ treatment in murine macrophages. In the case of the human melanoma cell line H0-1, the enhanced expression of HLA Class I antigens, HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-1 induced by IFN-γ was again only marginally affected by H-7 [26]. Since upregulation of antigen expression in T47D cells induced by PKC activators such as TPA, MEZ and ADMB are inhibited by H-7, whereas similar changes induced by the interferons are not blocked by H-7, these results further indicate that the mechanism controlling antigenic modulation in specific cell cultures is dependent on the specific inducer employed and antigenic modulation can occur by both a PKC-independent and a PKC-dependent pathway.

[0076] The mechanism by which ADMB and MEZ versus IFN-γ enhance the expression of specific cellular antigens and TAAs in T47D is not presently known. Analysis of steady state mRNA levels of HLA Class I, HLA Class II-DR_(β), ICAM-1 and c-erbB-2 in cells treated with these different compounds indicated various levels of modulation which did not correlate directly with the relative level of change in surface expression of these antigens. Similarly, H-7 did not significantly alter the level of mRNA for the various antigens under any of the experimental conditions. These results suggest that the ability of H-7 to modulate the antigenic enhancing properties of ADMB, TPA, MEZ and the interferons may occur at a posttranscriptional level. Alternatively, these agents may modify antigenic expression by altering the rate of mRNA transcription and/or mRNA stability. In the case of BCA 225, H-7 may exert its suppressive effect on ADM3-, TPA-, and MEZ-induced increases in surface expression by inhibiting the ability of these compounds to enhance the synthesis of this TAA in T47D cells. Alternatively, H-7 might block antigenic upregulation in ADMB, TPA and MEZ treated cells by preventing the necessary biochemical alterations responsible for the insertion of the various antigens into the cell membrane in a form recognized by the monoclonal antibodies employed. Further studies are clearly required to determine the mechanism by which specific antigenic modulators upregulate antigen expression and the mechanism by which H-7 selectively inhibits this process in cells treated with ADMB, TPA or MEZ. The present model system should prove useful in determining the biochemical mechanism(s) underlying antigenic upregulation in response to diverse transmembrane signalling agents. With this information it may be possible in the future to design strategies and molecules specifically tailored to alter the antigenic phenotype of tumor cells making them more accessible to monoclonal antibody targeted therapeutic approaches. TABLE 1 Effect of the PKC Inhibitor H-7 on Upregulation of HLA Class II antigens, c-erbB-2 and ICAN-1 by TPA and MEZ in T47D Human Breast Carcinoma Cells. Antigenic Expression (MFI) Experimental HLA Class Conditions^(a) II c-erbB-2 ICAM-1 Control 3,410 7,144 20,975 H-7 4,563 7,045 21,538 (1.3)^(b) (1.0) (1.0) TPA 9,984 16,100 63,175 (2.9) (2.3) (3.0) TPA + H-7 4,778 8,385 47,542 (1.4) (1.2) (2.3) MEZ 10,260 18,385 85,745 (3.0) (2.6) (4.1) MEZ + H-7 3,654 Not 39,486 (1.1) Detected (1.9) # 0.1 μg/ml H-7. Cells were resuspended, incubated with monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA # Class II antigens, c-erbB-2 or ICAM-1 and anti-mouse FITC secondary antibody. Cells were then analyzed by flow # cytometry using a FACStar (Beckon Dickinson, Mountain View, CA) and antigenic expression is expressed as mean # fluorescence intensity (MFI) units. Further details can be found in “Detailed Description of the Invention.”

[0077] TABLE 2 Effect of the PKC Inhibitor H-7 on the Enhanced Synthesis, Expression and Shedding of BCA 225 Induced by TPA, MEZ and ADMB in T47D Human Breast Carcinoma Cells. BCA 225 BCA 225 BCA 225 Shedding^(d) Experimental Synthesis^(b) Expression^(c) (ng/ml/10⁶ Conditions^(a) (ng/mg protein) (MFI) cells) Control 164 6,426 28 H-7 142 (0.9)^(e) 5,428 (0.8) 23 (0.8) TPA 394 (2.4) 11,696 (1.8) 84 (3.0) TPA + H-7 191 (1.2) 7,434 (1.2) 35 (1.3) MEZ 507 (3.1) 16,065 (2.5) 147 (5.3) MEZ + H-7 225 (1.4) 7,068 (1.1) 39 (1.4) ADMB 299 (1.8) 12,825 (2.0) 26 (0.9) ADMB + H-7 178 (1.1) 7,018 (1.1) 34 (1.2) # ADMB, in the presence or absence of 0.1 μg/ml H-7. # as described in “Detailed Description of the Invention.” # Mountain View, CA) with CU18 monoclonal antibodies as described in “Detailed Description of the Invention.” # The results are expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) units. # procedure as described in “Detailed Description of the Invention.”

[0078] TABLE 3 Effect of the PKC Inhibitor H-7 on Upregulation of HLA Class II antigens and ICAM-1 by IFN-β and IFN-γ in T47D Human Breast Carcinoma Cells. Experimental Antigenic Expression (MFI) Conditions^(a) HLA Class II ICAM-1 Control 2,919 54,536 H-7 3,490 (1.2)^(b) 54,080 (1.0) IFN-β 31,413 (10.8) 97,013 (1.8) IFN-β + H-7 32,190 (11.1) 108,902 (2.0) IFN-γ 202,102 (69.2) 191,490 (3.5) IFN-γ + H-7 210,812 (75.2) 188,544 (3.5) # in the presence or absence of 1.0 μg/ml of H-7. Cells were then incubated with Monoclonal Antibodies # specific for HLA Class II antigens or ICAM-1 followed by fluorescinated anti-mouse IgG antibody and then # analyzed by flow cytometry with a Coulter Epics IV FACS (Coulter Electronics, Hialeah, FL.) as described # in “Detailed Description of the Invention)” Results are expressed as mean fluorescence intensity # (MFI) units. # to 1.0).

[0079] TABLE 4 Effect of the PKC Inhibitor H-7 on the Enhanced Synthesis, Expression and Shedding of BCA 225 Induced by IFN-β and IFN-γ in T47D Human Breast Carcinoma Cells. BCA 225 BCA 225 BCA 225 Shedding^(d) Experimental Synthesis^(b) Expression^(c) (ng/ml/10⁶ Conditions^(a) (ng/mg protein) (MFI) cells) Control 223 2,816 47 H-7 230 (1.0)^(e) 2,560 (0.9) 38 (0.8) IFN-β 374 (1.7) 5,716 (2.0) 69 (1.5) IFN-β + H-7 361 (1.6) 5,714 (2.0) 66 (1.4) IFN-γ 722 (3.2) 9,069 (3.2) 64 (1.4) IFN-γ + H-7 694 (3.1) 8,177 (2.9) 64 (1.4) # absence of 1.0 μg/ml of H-7. # Invention.” # View, CA) as described in “Detailed Description of the Invention.” Results are expressed as mean fluorescence # intensity (MFI) units. # the Invention.”

[0080] TABLE 5 Effect of 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N- methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB), Mezerein (MEZ) and Recombinant Human Immune Interferon (IFN-γ) on Antigen Expression in WiDr Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Monitored by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Analysis Monoclonal Antibody Binding (MFI)^(b) Experimental MoAb L243 MoAb B67.4 Conditions^(a) MoAb K56 (HLA-DR) (CA19.9) 72 Hour Treatment Control 840 342 1260 ADMB (0.01 μg/ml) 844 390 1136 ADMB (0.1 μg/ml) 715 317 1172 ADMB (1.0 μg/ml) 879 486* 1400* MEZ (100 ng/ml) 964* 1120* 1914* IFN-γ (100 U/ml) 1046* 1724* 2271* 96 Hour Treatment Control 1018 492 1475 ADMB (0.01 μg/ml) 827 434 1512 ADMB (0.1 μg/ml) 1116 615* 2028* ADMB (1.0 μg/ml) 1008 806* 2417* MEZ (100 ng/ml) 1104 2129* 4784* IFN-γ (100 U/ml) 1021 2376* 3191* # addition of the indicated compounds and cells were incubated at 37° C. for the indicated time (72 or 96 hours). # Cells were resuspended using 10X EDTA and antigen expression was determined as described (Leon, Mesa-Tejada, # Gutierrez, Estabrook, Greiner, Schlom & Fisher: Anticancer Res. 9:1639-1648, 1989; Leon, Gutierrez, Jiang, Estabrook, # Waxman & Fisher: Cancer Immunol. Immmunother. 35:315-324, 1992) # in fluorescence positive antibody-binding cells X % of Fluorescence positive antibody-binding cells) - (mean channel # fluorescence of unstained cells X % of fluorescence positive cells in the unstained population). The data presented # reflects the average of duplicate samples per experimental point which varied by ≦ 10%. Antibodies used included: MoAb K56, # MoAb L243 (recognizes HLA-DR) and MoAb B67.4 (recognizes the tumor associated antigen, CA19.9).

[0081] TABLE 6 Effect of 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N- methylamino)-benzyl alcohol (ADMB), Mezerein (MEZ) and Recombinant Human Immune Interferon (IFN-γ) on Antigen Expression in CBS Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Monitored by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) Analysis Monoclonal Antibody Binding (MFI)^(a) Experimental MoAb L243 MoAb B67.4 Conditions^(a) MoAb K56 (HLA-DR) (CA19.9) Control 2034 3941 1509 ADMB (0.01 μg/ml) 2126 4112 3562* ADMB (0.1 μg/ml) 1715 3328 3473* ADMB (1.0 g/ml) 2420 6870* 3962* MEZ (1100 ng/ml) 3002* 9726* 3288* IFN-γ (100 U/ml) 3126* 14972* 4970* # or addition of the indicated compounds and cells were incubated at 37° C. for 96 hours. Cells were # resuspended using 10X EDTA and antigen expression was determined as described (Leon, Mesa-Tejada, # Gutierrez, Estabrook, Greiner, Schlom & Fisher: Anticancer Res. 9:1639-1648, 1989; Leon, Gutierrez, # Jiang, Estabrook, Waxman & Fisher: Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 35:315-324 1992). # fluorescence in fluorescence positive antibody-binding cells X % of Fluorescence positive antibody-binding # cells) - (mean channel fluorescence of unstained cells X % of fluorescence positive cells in the unstained # population). The data presented reflects the average of duplicate samples per experimental point which varied # by ≦ 10%. Antibodies used included: MoAb K56, MoAb L243 (recognizes HLA-DR) and MoAb B67.4 (recognizes the # tumor associated antigen, CA19.9).

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What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for the upregulation of expression of cell antigens without inducing shedding which comprises a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of a cell antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen from the cell.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the cell antigen is a tumor associated antigen.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the cell antigen is a cell surface antigen.
 6. The composition of claim 4, wherein the cell antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 7. The composition of claim 4, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a breast carcinoma.
 8. The composition of claim 4, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a colon carcinoma.
 9. The composition of claim 7, wherein the tumor associated antigen is BCA
 225. 10. The composition of claim 7, wherein the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2.
 11. The composition of claim 7, wherein the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen.
 12. The composition of claim 7, wherein the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 13. The composition of claim 7 or 8, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the antigen is Class II HLA-DR.
 15. The composition of claim 8, wherein the antigen is CA19.9.
 16. A method for decreasing tumor cell heterogeneity by upregulating the expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen which comprises administering an amount of a protein kinase C activator to cells to induce upregulation of expression of an antigen without inducing shedding of said antigen.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the antigen is a tumor associated antigen.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the antigen is a cell surface antigen.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a breast carcinoma.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a colon carcinoma.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the tumor associated antigen is BCA
 225. 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 28. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the antigen is Class II HLA-DR.
 30. The method of claim 23, wherein the antigen is CA19.9.
 31. The method of claim 18, wherein the amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml.
 32. The method of claim 21, wherein the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 33. A method of detecting tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of cell antigens of tumor cells, without inducing antigen shedding, and detecting the presence of said antigen.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the cell antigen is a tumor associated antigen
 37. The method of claim 33, wherein the cell antigen is a cell surface antigen.
 38. The method o claim 33, wherein the cell antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a breast carcinoma.
 40. The method of claim 36, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a colon carcinoma.
 41. The method of claim 39, wherein the antigen is the tumor associated antigen is BCA
 225. 42. The method of claim 39, wherein the antigen is the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen.
 43. The method of claim 39, wherein antigen is the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2.
 44. The method of claim 39, wherein the antigen is the cell surface antigen intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 45. The method of claim 39 or 40, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the antigen is Class II HLA-DR.
 47. The method of claim 40, wherein the antigen is CA19.9.
 48. The method of claim 35, wherein the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml.
 49. A method of treating tumor cells comprising contacting tumor cells with an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator for the upregulation of expression of cell antigens of tumor cells without inducing antigen shedding and then contacting said tumor cells with an effective amount of an antibody directed to said antigen.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol.
 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml.
 53. The method of claim 49, wherein the cell antigen is a tumor associated antigen.
 54. The method of claim 49, wherein the cell antigen is a cell surface antigen.
 55. The method of claim 49, wherein the cell antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein the tumor cells are breast carcinoma cells.
 57. The method of claim 53, wherein the tumor cells are colon carcinoma cells.
 58. The method of claim 52, wherein the antigen is the tumor associated antigen BCA
 225. 59. The method of claim 52, wherein the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen.
 60. The method of claim 52, wherein the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2.
 61. The method of claim 52, wherein the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 62. The method of claim 56 or 57, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the antigen is Class II HLA-DR.
 64. The method of claim 57, wherein the antigen is CA19.9.
 65. A pharmaceutical composition for upregulating the expression of antigens without inducing antigen shedding which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an effective amount of a protein kinase C activator.
 66. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 65, wherein the protein kinase C activator is a synthetic protein kinase C activator.
 67. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 66, wherein the protein kinase C activator is 3-(N-acetylamino)-5-(N-decyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl alcohol.
 68. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 67, wherein the effective amount is from about 0.01 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml.
 69. The composition of claim 65, wherein the antigen is a tumor associated antigen.
 70. The composition of claim 65, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 71. The composition of claim 65, wherein the antigen is a cell surface antigen.
 72. The composition of claim 69, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a breast carcinoma.
 73. The composition of claim 63, wherein the tumor of the tumor associated antigen is a colon carcinoma.
 74. The composition of claim 72, wherein the tumor associated antigen is BCA
 225. 75. The composition of claim 72, wherein the tumor associated antigen is carcinoembryonic antigen.
 76. The composition of claim 72, wherein the tumor associated antigen is c-erb B2.
 77. The composition of claim 72, wherein the cell surface antigen is intercellular adhesion molecule-1.
 78. The composition of claim 72 or 73, wherein the antigen is a histocompatibility antigen.
 79. The composition of claim 78, wherein the antigen is Class II HLA-DR.
 80. The composition of claim 73, wherein the antigen is CA19.9. 